Rhonda Mitchell

This 5-Year PHA Plan for the Housing Authority of the City of Newport, Rhode Island, outlines the organization's mission to provide decent, safe, sanitary, affordable housing, promote homeownership, economic development, and self-sufficiency, and ensure a living environment free from discrimination and crime. Key strategic pillars include the preservation and production of affordable rental, aging-in-place, and homeownership housing opportunities, alongside the provision of community and supportive services to enhance resident quality of life.

The meeting agenda included the review of the minutes from the December 2025 meeting. Communications involved an important note regarding PHA Budget Management in 2026 for RI 005. The Consent Calendar covered several reports, including C.O.P., Asset Management, Occupancy, Applications, Section 8, Resident Services, the Executive Director's Report, Actual YTD Operating Expenses, Operating Reserve Analysis, Collection Loss Payments for December, and Capital Fund Obligated/Expenditure Status. Action items included the approval of December 2025 bills totaling $702,845.32, confirmation of zero Collection Loss Write-Offs for December 2025, approval of the Audited Financial Statements for the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2025, and the approval of the 2026 Annual Plan and the 2026-2030 5-Year Capital Fund Action Plan. The agenda also reserved time for reports from the Newport Residents Council, Commissioners' Reports, and Public Comments/Citizens' Forum.

Key discussions included receiving and referring communications such as press releases and reports on local housing achievements. The Board approved the Consent Calendar items, which comprised several operational reports including Verbal Reports, Asset Management, Occupancy, Resident Services, and Financial Reports. The Commissioners authorized payment of monthly bills for October 2025 and approved zero collection loss write-offs for the same month. Several resolutions were approved: Resolution No. 2058 for Park Holm Phase 5 and Resolution No. 2059 for Park View Terrace. The Board also accepted the 2026 Draft Annual Plan and the 2026-2030 Five Year Capital Fund Action Plan for public comment referral. Finally, the 2026 Annual Budgets for Park Holm Redevelopment LP Phases I/II/III and IV were approved.

The meeting included updates on the government shutdown and HUD website, NAHRO Direct News Email regarding Congress failing to pass the budget, SEMAP FY 2025, PHAS FY 2024, and NSPIRE. The board discussed the Asset Management Report, Occupancy, Applications, & Section 8 Report, Resident Services Report, Executive Directors Report, Actual YTD Operating Expenses, Operating Reserve Analysis, Collection Loss Payment, and the Capital Fund Obligated /Expenditure status report. There was a discussion regarding the ownership of streetlights on Hillside Ave and the need for repairs. Concerns were raised about parking at the Senior Center during construction, and a request was made to add additional parking.